I received this book for free from the Author in exchange for an honest review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.
Ghost Mother by Kelly Dwyer Published by Union Square & Co. on August 6 2024
Genres: Adult, ghost story, Gothic, Psychological horror
Pages: 336
Format: eARC
Source: Author
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The nitty-gritty: A haunted house story with literary flair and unexpected emotion, Ghost Mother is the must-read ghost story of summer.
“People said to me, “I am sorry for your loss,” and they were kind to say that, they were right, it was a “loss,” but somehow I always heard it in my head as “I am sorry for your lost,” which seemed even more accurate. My babies were not just a loss but also lost. They were lost. I had lost them.”
Ghost Mother turned out to be a big surprise and was much different than I expected—in a good way. This is a haunted house story, but it’s also an emotional tale about the main character’s struggle with infertility, mental illness and a deteriorating marriage. Kelly Dwyer has a wonderful literary writing style that I absolutely loved, and she knows how to create a creepy, suspenseful ghost story as well. I want to mention a couple of trigger warnings up front, though. Readers sensitive to discussions of abortion, miscarriage and suicide may want to proceed with caution. The author doesn’t sugar coat anything, mostly because Lilly, the main character, is an open book when it comes to her past experiences.
Lilly and Jack have just bought a house in Haven, Wisconsin, an old 1920s mansion with a colorful history. Jack was reluctant to buy it, especially since it needs so much work, not to mention the couple is in debt and can’t really afford it. But Lilly fell in love the moment she saw it and is sure this will be the house where she finally has a baby. As the two start to settle in, Lilly begins to hear strange noises and even thinks she sees a woman standing at the nursery window. After doing some investigating, she discovers that their house has a tragic history. A circus performer named Birdy Lawrence supposedly shot her husband Billy, killed their eight-year-old daughter Amelia, and then jumped off a nearby cliff to her death. Could the ghostly presence she senses be Birdy? And if so, why is Birdy trying to communicate with her?
Lilly is determined to unearth the truth about the Murder House—the name locals have given their house—and so she begins to hunt for clues. As Lilly learns more about Birdy and her family, past traumas rise to the surface, and Lilly begins to wonder if she’s really seeing ghosts, or if it’s all in her head.
There’s nothing better than a good haunted house story, and Dwyer’s Murder House is full of atmospheric Gothic details, like peeling wallpaper, water damaged floors, crumbling walls and more. The book cover is absolutely perfect for this story. The ghostly elements are subtle but terrifying at times, and I love stories that blur the lines between reality and the supernatural. Are the ghosts real? Or is Lilly truly seeing and hearing things that aren’t there? According to Jack, Lilly is nuts, and she does have a history of mental illness, so it’s up to the reader to decide.
Lilly is a fascinating character, and I ended up really sympathizing with her on an emotional level. She isn’t necessarily easy to like, though. She lies to Jack, she forgets to go into work, and she’s a compulsive spender. But her backstory is heartbreaking. She’s suffered a lot: a couple of miscarriages, the desertion of her mother and the death of her beloved father. Her struggles with infertility were devastating, and there were several emotional scenes that brought tears to my eyes. Despite her faults, Lilly is a very self aware woman who admits her mistakes and shortcomings and wants to be a good person. Because of everything she’s suffered in her past, she considers herself to be “broken,” and this alone endeared her to me.
As Lilly carries out her investigation, we learn bits and pieces of what actually happened that fateful day. Lilly discovers some distant relatives who are still alive and know the truth, but getting them to open up to her isn’t easy. The author also includes flashback scenes from the day of the murder/suicide (saying more about them would be a spoiler, so I’ll resist!) that were some of my favorite parts of the book and gave me The Shining vibes.
The title of the book has a double meaning that I found to be simply brilliant. When Lilly finally solves the mystery of Birdy, Amelia and Bobby, the reader is fervently hoping that her life will take a turn for the better. Aside from one overly dramatic event—although I realize it made everything neatly fall into place—I adored the poignant ending and the way Lilly’s story was resolved. Ghost Mother was an engaging and emotional reading experience, and I can’t wait to see what Kelly Dwyer does next.
Big thanks to the author for providing a review copy.
Great review, Tammy! This story sounds like it would also make a really great haunted house movie. I love the sound of it! 😀
Stephanie @ Bookfever recently posted…Monthly New Releases: August 2024
I could see this as a movie for sure:-)
Five stars??? I really hate psychological horror, so this isn’t happening, but I’m glad you liked it!
Ha ha then this definitely isn’t for you Will!
You wrote such an amazing review!! Reading it was a real pleasure and the book sounds great! Thanks for sharing!!
Thanks Suzy! It really was good:-)
Great review! This sounds terrific, and I want to know more!
Thank you! I loved the way the story came together in the end:-)
Is this a sign to get back into my horror era? Awesome review Tammy. Definitely curious about that ending!
aimee can read recently posted…This May Be My Lowest Average Rating So Far This Year… But I Found a New Favorite! (July Reading Wrap-up)
Yes Aimee! Horror is so good right now:-)
This sounds fantastic. I want it. Onto the wishlist you go.
Lynn 😀
I think you’d love it:-)
I love the quote that you started your review off with and I’m glad this was such a hit with you. It sounds like it really keeps you guessing, creates a superb atmosphere and handles some really difficult themes. Wonderful review.
Thank you Charlotte! I’m so glad I got to read this and discover a new favorite author:-)
Thank you so much for the wonderful, thoughtful review! I’m so glad you liked it, and hope that your readers will, too. Thank you!
Thank you for stopping by, Kelly! I’m so grateful to have read your amazing book:-)
I’m so grateful for your thoughtful and generous review, Tammy!
Awww thanks Kelly! I’m so glad I had the chance to read your book:-)
Not my type of horror, but glad you loved it. 🙂
Stormi recently posted…Week in Review #91
Thanks Stormi!
I feel like this is not a book that I’d normally be drawn to, but you have convinced me otherwise! I loooove when thriller-type books actually spend time connecting to the characters, and this certainly seems to have done that quite well. I think I will be adding it to my list! Great review!
Shannon @ It Starts at Midnight recently posted…August 2024 Discussion Challenge Link Up & Giveaway
That’s why it was a five star book for me, the way she added so much emotion and developed the characters so well:-)
Awesome, sounds like a great read. I love stories that don’t explicitly define all the supernatural elements but leave it vague and up to the reader to decide if it is supernatural or just in someones head. I think that helps get into the readers head. And I also enjoy books that end up having multiple meanings for their titles, that’s always kinda slick. Glad you enjoyed this one, Tammy.
Oooh great review but the book is not for me!
Totally understand, thanks Sophie!
I’m always on the lookout for a good ghost story, especially with that haunted house setting. So I’m very glad to know about this one! 😀
Lark@LarkWrites recently posted…Be kind anyway…
I hope you get the chance to read it!